Automated attraction and ride maintenance verification system

ABSTRACT

A system for preventative maintenance of a ride or an attraction component at a venue. A validator establishes the identity of the ride or attraction component and a controller monitors the use of the ride or attraction component. The controller also manage the ride or attraction component&#39;s availability for patron usage and transmits this information to a system control panel. A blocking device controlled by the panel prevents patron usage of a ride or attraction component that is in non-compliance with pre-established operating standards.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/056,528,filed Feb. 11, 2005, which claims priority to U.S. Provisionalapplication Ser. No. 60/601,409, filed Aug. 13, 2004, the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the management of attractions and rides at avenue which automatically monitors the ride or attraction at a venue andprevents use of the same until maintenance is performed.

2. General Background and State of the Art

In theme parks and certain other venues, certain ride or attractioncritical corrective maintenance and legislated Preventive Maintenance(PM) must be completed at the ride or attraction before the ride orattraction is available for patron use. Both “ride” and “attraction” areused interchangeably throughout this disclosure to refer to a ride orattraction at a venue, such as at an amusement park.

In such parks and venues, the engineering department or a similardepartment is responsible for ensuring that the ride or attraction'scritical and regulatory maintenance work is completed prior to allowingthe ride or attraction components to become available for patron usage.This regulatory maintenance is the Amusement Ride Law pertaining toPreventive Maintenance work that must be performed on the attractioncomponents on a recurring basis. In addition, there are maintenanceprocedures that the Owner/Operator deems must be performed on theattraction components on a recurring basis, in addition to the Ride Lawmandated Preventive Maintenances. The Owner/Operator and legislated RideLaw Preventive Maintenance procedures are based on the manufacturer'srecommended time, distance or cycle schedule. It is imperative that thecompletion of these and other attraction component Preventivemaintenance work is effectively and efficiently tracked to ensure thatattraction components are available for patron usage only after thiswork has been performed.

Thus, theme park attractions are required by law and by the rules ofpreventive maintenance to be maintained in a satisfactory manner. Suchrides and attractions generally have a recommended maintenance schedule.

There is a need for a system that automatically determines whether ornot a theme park attraction component has had all Ride Law andOwner/Operator mandated Preventive Maintenance performed on it and anyride-critical Preventive Maintenance work. Such a system shouldautomatically prohibit any component from being used if the Ride Law andOwner/Operator mandated Preventive Maintenance and ride-criticalPreventive Maintenance work has not been performed or if a CorrectiveMaintenance Work Order has not been completed.

SUMMARY

It is an object of this invention to provide an Automated MaintenanceVerification System which will automate the determination of whether ornot an attraction component, in an entertainment or theme parkenvironment, has had all Ride Law and/or Owner/Operator mandatedPreventive Maintenance (PM) and ride-critical Preventive Maintenance(PM) work performed on it.

It is a further object of this invention to prevent any component of aride or attraction with incomplete ride-law or ride-critical PreventiveMaintenance work from becoming available for usage by patrons.

Another object of this invention is that the “data collection interface”(DCI) will access this information from a custom table stored in the“computerized maintenance management system” (CMMS), identify whichattraction components are not allowed to become available for patronusage, and set the attraction component to a state in which it can notbe utilized by patrons. Engineering Services may be able to access thisinformation via an automated reporting tool to determine if anattraction component is ready for patron usage. The system may furtherupdate a WEB-based and/or plasma or other physical display status boardshowing the GO/NOGO status of the above-mentioned attraction components.

Another object of the invention will monitor the operators' completionof Owner/Operator and /or Ride Law daily start-up procedures. A magneticcard reader or biometrics unit may be installed in the ride orattraction's control tower to allow the Owner/Operator's designatedrepresentative to close out the daily Owner/Operator and/or Ride LawStart-up procedures in a secure fashion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the system in accordance with the teachingsof the invention;

FIG. 2 is a stylized layout of an attraction utilizing the system of theinvention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an attraction associated with amaintenance bay track;

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a functional subsystem overview;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a computerized maintenancemanagement system in accordance with the teachings of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of Ride Readiness Status Reset;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of Maximo® Meter Update;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of Meter Based Preventive MaintenanceWork Order Generation Process;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of Work Order Completion Process;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of GO/NOGO Evaluation;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of Microwave Tag Reader System;

FIG. 12 is a schedule of Readiness and Maintenance Details; and

FIG. 13 is a graph of Meter Based Maintenance Performance to a CertainDate for Mechanical Train Preventive Maintenance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain definitions, abbreviations and acronyms will be used to describethe various features of the system of the invention disclosed herein.These are as follows:

ACS: Attraction Control System

Attraction component: Consists of all ride vehicles, Launch Vehicles,ride track or any other ride or show component that requires alegislated PM. A component may also include a ride or attractionsstartup procedure that the owner/operator deems necessary.

Attraction Patron Load area: The area where patrons access the ride, oran attraction component of the ride.

Automatic Mode: The “Patron Ready” normal mode of operation. The ACS hascomplete automated control of all parameters relating to the operationof the attraction.

Biometrics Instrument: An automated system that can identify anindividual through body parts.

CM: Corrective Maintenance.

CMMS: Computerized Maintenance Management System. A database applicationused by Engineering Services to manage workload, PM routines andschedules, and capture and store pertinent information about thefacilities and equipment of the venue of the venue. In this environment,the CMMS will be used to store the cumulative number of laps for eachcomponent being tracked as well as a GO/NOGO status for that component.

DCI: Data Collection Interface: A PC based system running proprietarysoftware that monitors and retrieves attraction component GO/NOGO PMdata from the CMMS system, maintains a local data base of this collecteddata, maintains a local count of an attraction component's lap count,transmits count of an attraction component's lap count to the CMMSsystem, receives attraction component identification from the MIDS, andtransmits either a GO or NOGO to the ACS based on the GO/NOGO status forthe presented attraction component. It also monitors all localsub-systems for failures and transmits those failures to CMMS.

DCI (to ACS) Disabled Data Bit: The associated bit will remain low.

DCI (to ACS) Enabled Data Bit: DCI will pulse the associated bit highfor 1000 ms.

Engineering Services: This is the group responsible for keeping thesystem in an operational condition and investigating system faults.Maintenance activities include investigating and repairing system faultsand disabling and enabling the system. Maintenance activities may alsoinclude querying the system log.

Engineering: This is the group responsible for the development of thesoftware and initial setup of system configuration (e.g. RF sensors, RFreaders and alarm message associations).

E-Stop: A device, normally a pushbutton, that is activated to cause anattraction or attraction component to immediately stop all action andmotion and to bring the component to its safe position.

GO/NOGO: The PM status of an attraction component. The component iseither marked as GO (ready for patron use) or NOGO (requires PM actionprior to being ready for patron use).

GPS: Global Positioning System.

GUI: Graphical User Interface.

Handheld device: A computer based system that can be easily and safelyplaced in one hand (i.e. PDA, cell phone, etc.).

Local Manual Mode: All automated ACS functions are disabled and onlymanual operation can be implemented through trackside boxes.

Main Manual Mode: This mode is a combination of Automatic and LocalManual Mode.

Maintenance Bay: The DCI computer and its interface, the Status Display,the override enable magnetic card reader or biometrics unit, theoverride revoke button, a Microwave Tag Reader and an audio alarm allreside in the Maintenance Bay, in addition to the existing ACScomponents and standard attraction's tools and components.

Maximo®: Maximo® is an off the shelf CMMS product offered by MROSoftware Inc. of Bedford, Mass. and may be used by a particular venue asthe system of record for maintenance activities. The database is anOracle database from Oracle Corp. of Redwood Shores, Calif. and UNIX isa computer operating system managed by the Open Group, of Oak Brook,Ill. residing on a UNIX server.

Microwave Tag Readers: A device that detects and reports microwave tags.

MIDS: Microwave Identification System, which consists of microwave tagreaders and microwave tags.

Operations: This is the group responsible for operating the system.Operational activities may include querying the system log.

Owner/Operator Critical PM: Refers to a Preventive Maintenanceprocedure, above and beyond the Ride Law PMs, that the Owner/Operatordeems to be critical and necessary.

PM: Preventive Maintenance or Preventive Maintenance procedure.

PM Trigger Point: The manufacture's recommended maximum-metered pointfor a PM to be preformed, minus the cycling data for one full 24 houroperation.

RC: Ride Critical. RCCM, for example, is corrective Maintenance that isidentified while performing a Amusement Owner/Operator and/or Ride LawPM procedure.

Ride Equipment Room (RER): Room containing the attraction's attractioncontrol systems equipment.

Ride Legislated, Ride Legislative, Ride Legislation, Ride Lawprocedures: Refers to procedures defined as Governmentally LegislatedRide procedures applicable to rides and attractions at a venue that havebeen signed into law.

Station Gate: A system used to allow/disallow patrons access to theride, or an attraction component on the ride System Users.

Status display: May consist of a LED, plasma, LCD, or other indicatorpanel or a computer Graphical User Interface display.

Status Update: A PM or CM status change from “GO” to “NOGO” will only beupdated in the CMMS once a day, before normal operating hours. A statuschange from “NOGO” to “GO” will be updated in the CMMS, as the PM or CMis completed. DCI will periodically retrieve the PM status from the CMMSthroughout the day.

Subsystem: Consists of CMMS, DCI, MIDS, ACS, and Magnetic Card Reader.

Tag: A passive or activated microwave, RFID, or reflectiveidentification transponder.

Tower Control Room or Launch Base: Utilize the existing tower controlroom or Launch Base and all of its displays and interfaces. New messageswill be routed to the displays to describe any conditions that will notallow normal ride operation.

Vehicle Launch: A ride vehicle entering or moving into or onto the ridepath.

Thus, as particularly contemplated in this invention, it is thusproposed to automate the maintenance verification and monitor the usageof ride or attraction components at a venue. By doing so, one canimplement a change from time or calendar driven PMs to meter driven PMsfor some PM procedures. Attraction components have PM work that areperformed on a daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis, regardless ofwhether or not the attraction component was used in the attraction.Unnecessary PM work can result if it is performed on an attractioncomponent that remained idle since the last time the PM was performed orhas not achieved the recommended distance or cycle specification. Theinvention herein will automate the determination of whether or not a PMon an attraction component can be postponed due to inactivity andautomatically postpone the PM in CMMS. This is illustrated in the graphshown in FIG. 13, as will be discussed further herein below.

By capturing the components' usage (lap counts, cycles, etc.) andupdating the “Meter Reading” field for that component within the CMMSsystem, the system herein enables the core functionality of the Maximo®application to automatically create PM work orders. The work orders inthe CMMS system will be accessible on screen in the CMMS applicationfrom a desktop PC, a printed copy or via a handheld device in a wired orwireless connection (i.e. IR, 802.11, IDEN, GSM, PCS, AMPS, TDMA, CDMA,etc.). The Engineering Services Representative will be able to updatethe work accomplished at a desktop PC or a handheld device with a wiredor wireless connection.

Scope Description

The Automated Maintenance Verification System connects to the ACS viadigital I/O signals. When an attraction component is detected as beingin the NOGO state, the Automated Maintenance Verification Systemnotifies the operator that an unusable attraction component is in theload position and locks the station gates. If the detected attractioncomponent is a not a vehicle (i.e it is ride track, emergency PublicAddress System (P.A.), etc.), the Automated Maintenance VerificationSystem will not allow the attraction to be placed into “Automatic Mode”,thus disabling the attraction completely. It is the operator'sresponsibility to notify Engineering Services, who is then responsibleto investigate the cause of the condition and take appropriate action.However, the Automated Maintenance Verification System will also notifyEngineering Services and the Owner/Operator Designated Representativevia wireless messaging of the condition.

The Automated Maintenance Verification System will also monitorattraction vehicles as they are inserted onto the ride from themaintenance bay.

In one embodiment of this invention, the Automated MaintenanceVerification System will alert the attraction's Engineering Services'cast member, who is inserting the vehicle, through a visual alert asgraphically illustrated in FIG. 1, if the vehicle being inserted has a“NOGO” status.

Thus, as seen in the block diagram of FIG. 1, a vehicle 10 for a rideattraction of the system is shown entering the system from themaintenance bay (not shown). Patrons 11 are shown waiting at the stationgate 12 for a ride vehicle 13. A pusher vehicle 14 is shown in standbystatus. Each ride vehicle is electronically coupled to a microwavereader 15 coupled to a computer 16. Band signals from modems (not shown)associated with computer 16 are passed between computer 16 and reader15; between computer 16 and a microwave reader 17 in the maintenancebay; and between computer 16 and a conventional instant messaging system18, then to a tower consol launch base 19. Messaging system 18 is alsoelectronically coupled to a wireless communication system 20 which alsoreceives a pair of parallel status data signals from a serial toparallel/parallel to serial device (such as an Opto-22 device)—ref. No.21, which is electronically coupled as by a modem or the like back tocomputer 16. An override card reader and revoke push button 22 feedsboth a disable bit 23 a revoke disable bit 24 to system 20. Wirelesscommunication system 20 is electronically coupled to both the stationgate 12 and to a GO/NO/GO audible indication station 24′. RS485 in FIG.1, is in ISO defined communications specification. OPTO 22 is aserial/parallel device manufactured by OPTO 22 of Temecula, Calif. Asecond computer 16′ communicating with computer 16 may also be provided.The system of FIG. 1, in the attraction processing section may include,Blue Hose system 153 which is a network communications system normallyassociated with programmable Logic Controller Systems.

As will be discussed further herein below, the computerized maintenancemanagement system includes the aforementioned MAXIMO device 25 providingsystem calculation, management and configuration. A LAN/WAN connection26 is associated with device 25 and received and sends signals to aconventional paging system 27. Signals from connection 26 are passed tocomputer 29 via line 28 and also to a status panel 43 as will also bediscussed with respect to FIG. 2.

In a second embodiment of this invention, the Automated MaintenanceVerification System will also automatically remove the noncompliantvehicle from the ride path graphically illustrated in FIG. 3, back intothe maintenance area, without allowing patron usage of said vehicle.

FIG. 3 thus shows a track 34 with entry point 35 and exit point 36. Thepatron load area 37 is between points 35 and 36. A maintenance bay track38 communicates with track 34. A plurality of flagging and tagging areasindicated by + signs 35 and represent different points where possiblemonitored PM/CR/CM components exist.

In a third embodiment of this invention, the Automated MaintenanceVerification System will also automatically lock any and all keys to anyvehicles that are not in compliance, so that they cannot be removed soas to enable the vehicle.

In all cases, the Automated Maintenance Verification System will alsonotify Engineering Services and the Owner/Operator DesignatedRepresentative via wireless messaging of the condition.

Operational Design Requirements

Operational Overview

This section provides an overview of how the Automated MaintenanceVerification System operates. It presents a “black-box” view of thesystem as a whole from the user's perspective.

Data Bit Definitions From DCI to ACS

Track Go Status

Track Amusement Owner/Operator or Ride Law PM due—Disable Attraction “GObit” (NOGO)

Track Amusement Owner/Operator or Ride Law PM not complete—DisableAttraction “GO bit” (NOGO)

Track Amusement Owner/Operator or Ride Law CM created/notcompleted—Disable Attraction “GO bit” (NOGO)

Launch Vehicle Go Status

Amusement Owner/Operator or Ride Law PM due—Disable Launch Vehicle “GObit” (NOGO)

Amusement Owner/Operator or Ride Law PM not completed—Disable LaunchVehicle “GO bit” (NOGO)

Amusement Owner/Operator or Ride Law CM created/not completed—DisableLaunch Vehicle “GO bit” (NOGO)

Amusement Owner/Operator or Ride Law RC created/not completed—DisableLaunch Vehicle “GO bit” (NOGO)

An Attraction component out of service status is set in CMMS

CMMS—Disable Attraction “GO bit” (NOGO)

Load Station Go Status

Vehicle Amusement Owner/Operator or Ride Law PM due—Disable vehicle “GObit” (NOGO)

Vehicle Amusement Owner/Operator or Ride Law PM not complete—Disablevehicle “GO bit” (NOGO)

Vehicle Amusement Owner/Operator or Ride Law CM due—Disable vehicle “GObit” (NOGO)

Data Bit Definitions from ACS TO DCI

Launch Vehicle Count Increment—This signal is pulsed for approximately150 ms when the ACS “launches” a vehicle.

Override Enable Reporting—This signal is pulsed for approximately 150ms, once a second, under “Normal Operation” and is disabled to indicate“Override Mode Enabled”.

Operating the System

Summary

The addition of the Automated Maintenance Verification System will havea minimal effect on daily operation of the attraction from an Operationsperspective. Thus, from an operator or patron perspective, the ride willcontinue to allow patron access to the vehicles through the stationgates as shown in FIG. 2.

Thus, as seen in FIG. 2, an attraction layout 36 is shown for a ride 39or attraction. A maintenance track 37 communicates with the main track38 of layout 36. A ride control tower 40 is disposed on layout 36 alongwith an insertion alert panel 41. The position of microwave reader 17(FIG. 1) is indicated at track 37 whereas the position of microwavereader 15 is indicated at track 38. A ride unload area 42 is shown and astatus panel 43 is also indicated. Thus, in the layout 36 of FIG. 2 theoperator will note a difference if an attraction component has anoutstanding PM. Under this condition, the Automated MaintenanceVerification System will instruct the ACS to either: a) not allow theride to operate in “Automatic Mode”, if the PM is an attraction wide PM(i.e. Launch vehicle, track or track component, Operator daily start-upprocedure, etc.) or b) the ACS will inhibit opening the station gatesautomatically, if the PM is a vehicle PM.

Both scenarios will cause the monitor in the attraction or ride controltower 40 (FIG. 2) to display a message describing the error condition;notifying designated personnel through a paging system. If the conditionis vehicle-related, the system allows the operator to “launch” the emptyvehicle; if the condition is attraction wide, the system allows theoperator to only enter and operate in a “Local Manual Mode”.

This condition will continue until either the PM is completed or theoffending vehicle is removed from the ride.

Owner/Operator designated representatives have the ability to place theACS into “override” mode by identifying themselves through a biometricsdevice or by swiping their ID and entering their PIN into themaintenance bay override enable card reader. By doing this, the ridewill operate exactly as prior to the implementation of the AutomatedMaintenance Verification System, opening the station gates for allvehicles. The system will automatically revoke override mode at opening,when an “E-Stop” is executed or if the ride (building) power is cycled.The ACS can also be taken out of override mode manually by pressing the“revoke push button” 22, FIG. 1, which is located in the maintenance bayof FIG. 2. If the “NOGO” condition has not been corrected and theoverride is revoked, the ride will operate as described in above.

Normal Automated Operation

After the attraction closes, but before it opens for the next day'soperation, the CMMS system will set all components status to “NOGO” inthe Ride Status table (FIGS. 6 and 7).

The Ride Readiness Status Reset of a ride is shown in FIG. 6. Forexample, the ride may have all its status flags sets to NO GO asindicated at box 44 at 5 am (see box 45). A NO signal is sent to ridecomponent 100. As seen in the Update box 46 in FIG. 7, there will be anUpdate equipment meter reading that adds daily cumulative data to thecurrent meter reading. the signal is fed to a Daily data panel whichdetermines if the accumulated data from box 46 is greater than the 10%daily average. If so, a NOGO signal is fed to the child components 48 ofthe ride which is communicated to ride component 101. If Yes or Go, asignal is fed to a Daily Recalculate box 49 where the daily average isrecalculated as the Daily Cumulative amount plus the Current Averageamount divided by 2. This information is fed back to the childcomponents 48.

The CMMS system will then increment the Equipment Meter Reading withinthe Maximo® application (FIG. 7) by adding cumulative lap counts foreach component and that component's associated equipment from theprevious day, and will recalculate the average daily usage (FIG. 7).

In another embodiment of this invention, the Owner/Operator's designatedRepresentative will either identify themselves through a biometricsdevice or swipe their ID through a magnetic reader and enter a securityPIN, to validate that the Owner/Operator and/or Ride Law mandatedstart-up procedure has bee completed. This will then set the start-upflag to “GO” from “NOGO”.

Following the successful completion of updating the Meter Readingswithin the Maximo® application, FIG. 7, a scheduled routine will becalled from within CMMS to evaluate all equipment that has Meter BasedPM Schedules and determine if a PM routine will be due within the next 5days (FIGS. 8 and 9).

Thus, as seen in FIG. 8, a meter-based preventive maintenance work ordergeneration process is graphically illustrated. As indicated in box 49,an equipment meter reading is made plus 5 times the daily average. Ifthis amount is greater than or equal to the last PM meter reading, plusa predetermined PM trigger point, a GO or NOGO signal is sent to eitherend the process (see box 50) or create a work order in the work ordertable (box 51). This sends a signal to process the work order (see ridecomponent 52). This decision is made by looking at the meter reading(FIG. 8) the last time a PM work order was completed and adding the PMTrigger Point to that number. If that number is less than or equal tothe current cumulative meter reading plus 5 times the daily average,then a PM Routine is determined to be due. As seen in FIG. 9, when asignal from video component 54 is sent, and a PM Routine is determinedto be due, the Maximo® application (FIG. 53) will automatically create aPM work order for that piece of equipment 55. When the work order iscreated, a field in the Maximo® Work Order table is populated with thesystem due meter reading which that work is to be performed. Again, theprocess is either ended (see box 56) or the ride is passed to GO status(ride component 57).

After successful completion of the Maximo® work order generationprocess, the CMMS system will perform an evaluation to determine theride readiness status for each component being tracked by this system(FIG. 10).

This is shown in the GO/NOGO Evaluation schematic of FIG. 10. Forexample, if the 5 am Evaluation (box 58) shows open work orders (box 59)from the signal from the entry or exit point of ride component 60, a NOsignal is passed to box 61 where open corrective maintenance (CM) workorders are disposed. A signal from the entry or exit point of ridecomponent 62 is also shown as being passed to box 61. From box 61, a Yessignal may be passed to the entry or exit point of ride component 63where as a NO signal may be passed to the entry or exit point of ridecomponent 64 passing through a Ride Status equals GO box 65. A RideStatus equals NOGO box 66 is in communication with the entry or exitpoints of both ride components 64 and 63.

Thus, the circled numbers 4, 6, 7 and 8 represent the exit and entrypoints of the rides. If the arrow is going out to the numbered circle 47for example, the function will continue and enter in at the circlednumber 4 with the arrow pointing in to a function.

If there is an Open PM word order with a Yes status, the signal ispassed to a Ride Legislation box 67 and, if not in compliance, a NOindication is sent to entry or exit point of ride component 62. If incompliance, a Yes signal is sent to a meter based PM Work Order station69. If Yes, or in compliance, the signal is sent to a Current MaximoMeter Reading station 70 which determines if the reading is greater orequal to the predetermined work order meter due. If No, the No signal issent to the entry or exit points of ride component 62. If Yes, the Yessignal is sent to the entry or exit point of ride component 63. If thesignal from station 69 is No, it is sent to a Work Order Due Datestation 73 which determines if the due date is less than or equal to thecurrent date. If Yes, the Yes signal is sent to the entry or exit pointof ride component 63. If No, the No signal is sent to the entry or exitpoint of ride component 62. This process will thus first set all of theattraction components status to “NOGO”. It will evaluate all open workorders for each component and associated equipment to determine if anyof the following are true:

a) Are there any open Amusement Owner/Operator and/or Ride Lawnon-metered PM work orders, which have a due date of the current date orbefore the current date?

b) Are there any Amusement Owner/Operator and/or Ride Law meter based PMwork orders where the equipment's cumulative meter reading is equal toor greater than the system due meter reading which is stored on the workorder within CMMS?

c) Are there any Amusement Owner/Operator and/or Ride Law start-upprocedures not complete?

d) Are there any open corrective work orders with a work type of RC(Ride Critical)?

If the answer to any of these questions is true, then the CMMS systemwill allow the status of that component to remain “NOGO” in the RideStatus Table. If the answers to all of these questions are false, thenthe CMMS System will set the status of that component to “GO” in theRide Status table (FIG. 10).

Upon completion of open work orders for components that have a status of“NOGO” in the Ride Status table, a trigger will fire in the CMMSapplication to re-evaluate that component's ride status based on thecriteria mentioned above. If the component no longer has any AmusementOwner/Operator and Ride Law PM work orders due, and it does not have anyRC (Ride Critical) work orders open, then the CMMS system will changethe Ride Status table for that component to reflect a “GO” status.

After the attraction closes, but before it opens for the next day'soperation (at approximately 5:00 AM, for example), CMMS (FIGS. 1, 6 and7) will automatically perform a “reasonability” test on the accumulativemonitored meter data, to ensure the values have incremented within aproper predetermined window of probability (FIGS. 6 and 7).

As seen in FIG. 4, a functional subsystem overview is shown.

DCI (see FIG. 4) periodically requests a status summary for theattraction. CMMS responds with the “GO/NOGO” status for all attractioncomponents that require Amusement Owner/Operator and/or Ride Law PMs andRide Critical Corrective Maintenance.

Also, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the function of the CMMS system isshown. Data Collection Interface (DCI) collects data of a ridecomponent's cumulative lap count (box 74) in communication with a meterdata table 75 in the Custom portion of the CMMS. A signal from ridecomponent 76 is fed into Table 75. From Table 75, a signal is fed to aride component 77 which in turn is fed to an equipment table 78 which ispart of the Maximo system. Going back to the DCI portion of the system,a ride component's readiness status (see box) receives a signal from aride status table 80 (which receives signals from ride component 81.Signals from ride component 82 are passed to a work order table 83 whichpasses signals to ride component 84 controlled by the Maximo system.Again going back to the DCI part of the system, heartbeat signals (box85), i.e., signals which continuously change state so as to verify thatthe transmitting system is functioning properly, and error messages (box86) are passed to a communications table 87 in the Custom portion whichin turn passes a signal to the Paging System 88. Paging System 88 isalso being receiving park operating data via 89 from Op Sheet section.That is, OpSheet is the back end system that is the repository forcollected data, tracks and reports on the utilization of theattractions.

The DCI updates its database based on the new information (FIGS. 4 and5); automatically qualifying the data against the previous day'saccumulated data and a reasonability algorithm.

Prior to opening, Operations representatives will attempt to place theattraction into “Automatic Mode”. The ACS will check its “attraction GObit” and, if enabled, allows the attraction to be placed into “AutomaticMode”. If the bit is not enabled, the ACS will not allow the system tobe placed into “Automatic Mode”, but will enable the operator to placethe system into “Local Manual Mode” only.

Vehicle Tracking

As a vehicle approaches the load station, it will pass: 1) overMicrowave Reader #15 (FIG. 2), 2) through a RFID tag reader 3) receivean update from the GPS system or 4) receive an update from the ACS. Inone embodiment of the invention, the tag reader will receive the vehicletag identification data and asynchronously pass the tag IDs to DCI. Inanother embodiment of the invention, DCI will request and receiveposition data from the GPS system as a vehicle approaches the load area.In all cases, DCI will check the received ID tags data or GPS ID dataagainst its internally stored database for, first validity, and thenstatus.

The Microwave Tag Reader System is illustrated in FIG. 11. The systemmonitors all TAGS (box 91) from the entry and exit points of a rideattraction 150 and if it has received a tag, the process continues tobox 93. The decision from box 93 starts the timers in box 94 (starttimers, vehicle timer, duplicate tag timer) which sets the first TAGflag to True (box 95), if this is a new tag (received outside of a 2second (variable) window of time. If a TAG is not detected at box 92,the path continues to box 96 where it checks for a request from DCI. Ifno request is pending, the process continues back to entry point A. Ifthe DCI has requested a forced read the last TAG value is loaded atransmitted (box 97). If a duplicate TAG number is read within 2 seconds(see box 98) the reader checks for a request from DCI at box 96. If adifferent TAG is received within the 2 second window, the path continuesto box 99 where the Tag Number is stored. From box 99, the pathcontinues to decision point 110) where a check for two tags is made. Ifit is not a second TAG, the path continues to box 111 (vehicle timerexpired) while if it is the second TAG the path continues to both box111 and to box 112 (set first TAG Flag False) which sends a signal tobox 113 (Transmit Data to DCI) which in turn sends the signal to theentry or exit point of ride attraction 150. A No decisionat box 111forces the path to the entry point A

DCI vehicle GO status bit: to ASC:

a) If either of the tags or the GPS IDs are not in the DCI database, DCIwill NOT enable the GO status bit to the ACS. DCI will transmit theerror condition to the CMMS system for possible paging (FIG. 1) and forEngineering Services update information.

b) If both tags or both GPS IDs are in the DCI database, and either onehas a “NOGO” status, DCI will NOT enable the GO status bit to the ACS.DCI will transmit the error condition to the CMMS system for possiblepaging (FIG. 1) and for Engineering Services update information.

c) If only one tag or one GPS ID is presented to the DCI, and it is inthe database, and its status is “GO”, DCI will enable the GO status bitto the ACS. DCI will transmit the error condition to the CMMS System forpossible paging (FIG. 1) and for Engineering Services updateinformation.

d) If both tags or both GPS IDs are in the DCI database, DCI will onlyenable the GO status bit to the ACS if both tags are associated with acomponent with a “GO” status. DCI will also increment the associatedattraction component.

e) If both tags or both GPS IDs are in the DCI database, but are notassociated with the same attraction component, DCI will only enable theGO status bit to the ACS if both tags are associated with a componentwith a “GO” status. DCI will also increment both associated attractioncomponents and transmit the update to the Lap count table in the CMMSsystem (FIG. 1). DCI will transmit the error condition to the CMMSSystem for possible paging (FIG. 1) and for Engineering Services updateinformation.

Vehicle Load

When the vehicle is detected in the “Load” area (FIG. 2), the ACS checksits GO status bit. If the bit is enabled, or was enabled within apredetermined window of time (from reader to load park), the ACS willenable the station gates (FIG. 1) to open automatically for patronloading. If the bit is not enabled, the ACS will inhibit opening of thestation gates automatically, but will allow the operator to manuallyopen the gates while the vehicle is parked at load. The move from loadto launch function, and its associated button (FIG. 1), will be enabledunder either condition.

Vehicle Launch

When a vehicle is detected at launch, the ACS checks its launch vehicle“GO” status bit. If the bit is enabled, or was enabled within apredetermined window of time, the ACS will enable the launch vehicle(FIG. 1). If the bit is not enabled, or was not enabled within thepredetermined window, the launch will be inhibited, but vehicles alreadyon the ride will be allowed to be moved to unload.

If the vehicle is not on a ride path (i.e. such as a simulator in a showenvironment) and the launch vehicle status is bit not enabled, or wasnot enabled within the predetermined window, the launch will beinhibited and that vehicle will not be allowed to move from its failsafeposition or mode. Other vehicles in the same show will not be inhibited,but will launch based on their status bit.

Show Component

Another embodiment of this invention monitors Owner/Operator Criticalattraction show components. Under this embodiment, a component deemedcritical by the Owner/Operator is not allowed to operate if itsOwner/Operator critical PMs and CMs have not been completed. Theattraction show component would have a “NOGO” assigned and placed in itsfailsafe position or mode. If the show component is in a position tointeract with or is above the patrons, the ACS will not allow the showto start.

This invention also monitors cast or performers attractions componentsand/or special effects attractions components. This invention will placethese components in their failsafe position or mode if that component'sstatus is “NOGO”.

Override Operation

The ACS will continue to monitor the Override device's “Normal OperationMode Bit” and “Revoke Override” button, but will disregard the DCI“GO/NOGO” status bits, while in override mode. The ACS will enableAutomatic Mode and will enable the station's gates to automatically openat the appropriate time for patron loading.

The ACS will remain in override mode until the Revoke Override button isactivated, the building/system power is cycled or an E-Stop isactivated, whereupon the system will enter Normal Automated Mode.

If an attraction's component, that is going to be utilized by patrons,has a “NOGO” status, the following steps must be completed to implement“override mode”:

a) Engineering Services must first verify that all AmusementOwner/Operator and/or Ride Law PMs, CMs and (RC) Ride Critical workorders have been completed for all attractions components that will beutilized by patrons, both through the CMMS interface and by hard copyAmusement Owner/Operator and/or Ride Law PM completion forms.

b) An Authorized Owner/Operator Designated Engineering ServiceRepresentative places the system into “Override mode” through theoverride biometrics identification device or override card reader,(FIG. 1) by presenting their biometrics feature or swiping theirmagnetic ID card and entering their PIN number or any combination of.

c) The identification device then verifies that the ID is authorized toplace the system into “Override Mode”. The device disables the “NormalOperation Mode Bit” to the ACS and the ACS will detect and notify theDCI of the change of mode.

d) The DCI will notify OpSheet of this change and will signal the pagingsystem to page the owner/operator designated representative.

e) Engineering Services then opens a RC CM work order stating that thesystem has been placed into override mode.

Maintenance

As previously mentioned, the purpose of the Automated MaintenanceVerification System is to verify the completion of ride legislative PMand RC Corrective Maintenance. This purpose has very little effect onthe process of performing maintenance procedures; it simply ensures thatthose processes are complete. Similarly, the Meter Based PM System alsohas little effect on the maintenance process. It changes the wayresources are scheduled for the completion of this work, but it does notchange the nature of the work.

Attractions Component PM Becomes Due

Currently Engineering Services executes CMMS driven PM work orders basedon calendar-based interval PM's. Engineering Service representativesleverage various forecasting, planning and reporting tools to determinethe work due each day and allocate the appropriate resources.

The embodiment of this invention causes CMMS to generate PM work ordersbased on both calendar-based and meter-based schedules. As this systemmonitors the attraction component's usage, it automatically adjusts anymeter based PM schedule to reflect this data. There is a savings inoperational readiness as well the financial savings, while stillmaintaining the manufacturer's recommended PM schedule (FIG. 13).

Thus, FIG. 13 shows the Meter Based Maintenance Performance to Date fora Mechanical Train's (ride Component) PM. Laps and Days since the lastPM are displayed on the X axis and Cumulative Laps are shown in the Yaxis. This chart, as indicated by the Arrow 90, indicates where the CMMSinspection interval for this particular attraction was changed from 1200to 2025 from recalculation of the manufacturers requirement manual (MRM)requirements based on the theoretical hourly ride capacity (THRC) or thenumber of passengers handled hourly by an amusement ride.

The embodiment of this invention allows Engineering Servicesrepresentatives to now leverage the status display panel and remote WEBstatus displays to determine the work due each day and allocate theappropriate resources, again realizing a financial savings. Furthermore,the Owner/Operator's designated Quality Assurance Representative can nowquickly review the status display panel to validate the attraction'sreadiness to open for patrons. He/she may also monitor the status fromtheir office in real time. As seen in FIG. 12, Readiness And Maintenancedetails is for a particular attraction may be presented having atparticular attraction, such as a plurality of train components numbered1 through 6 with that train's Equipment (EQ) number indicated in Column1. The second column shows the current meter reading for the particularcomponent, the next column shows the last PM Meter reading of theparticular component, the next column shows the next PM Meter readingand then the estimated date of PM. Finally, the type of PM that will beperformed is indicated along with a countdown in laps or cycles ordistance (here, cycles are shown) depending on the manufacture'srecommended measurement.

Work Being Accomplished

At scheduled time or meter based intervals, a PM procedure will comedue. Engineering Service representatives complete the CMMS generatedWork Order according to documented procedures (or steps) of the PM.Either as the individual steps inside the PM are completed or soon afterall steps are completed, Engineering Service representatives documentthe individual that completed each step. This documentation is storedeither on hard copy forms or electronically through the CMMS system.

Under the embodiment of this invention, when a PM procedure will comedue, the work order will automatically be printed and will also beautomatically transferred to the maintenance handheld devices. Thestatus display panel and remote status displays will automaticallyupdate to show the current status. An authorized Engineering Servicestechnical representative is assigned a handheld device, whereupon theysign in using their PIN. The attractions component that requires a PM isscanned. This automatically brings up the proper PM procedure checkliston the handheld device, if the representative is authorized to performthe work. Multiple representatives using different handheld devices maywork on the same attraction component.

As the work is completed, the appropriate box is checked. Uponcompletion of the PM, the authorized Engineering Services representativetransmits the completed form to CMMS either wirelessly or through adocking type station. A different Engineering Services representativemust sign on to either the handheld device used to perform the PM or aseparate secondary handheld used device as a verifier to validate thefirst technician's data. This technician then verifies all steps andtransmits this completed form to CMMS.

Closing a PM

Once all procedures are complete, the work order status must be changedto complete inside the CMMS system. Owner/Operator designatedrepresentatives verify the documentation through electronic or manualsystems in order to verify the required Amusement Owner/Operator and/orRide Law PM is complete. This verification process can occur any time ofthe day before the piece of equipment is put into operation.

Under the embodiment of this invention, the work order is closed throughthe handheld devices. When both the primary and secondary handhelddevices have the forms completed for the required PM, the systemautomatically updates the database from “NOGO” to “GO”. The systemfurther passes this updated status to the status display panel and toDCI, wherein the attraction component will be available for use withpatrons.

Starting an Attractions Component CM

In performing Preventive maintenance, Engineering Servicerepresentatives may identify items requiring corrective maintenance. Ifthis occurs on an Amusement Owner/Operator and/or Ride Law PM procedure,a RC PM Work Order is created (FIG. 9). This RC Work Order is linked tothe maintenance compliance procedures mentioned in previous sectionsthrough the Equipment Number and the Work Order Work Type (RC). Underthe embodiment of this invention, the attraction component referenced inthis RC will have a status as “GO” or “NOGO” and as such will follow therules for a “GO” or “NOGO” PM.

Work Being Accomplished

Engineering Service representatives use previous experience, existingengineering requirements, training, and/or support from engineers torestore the equipment to documented operational standards asappropriate. The Owner/Operator may setup a checklist for a CM on thehandheld devices under this invention, if it the rules and benefitsstated above apply.

Closing a CM

Once the equipment has been restored to operational standards, the WorkOrder status must be changed to complete inside the CMMS system.Owner/Operator designated representatives verify the completion of theride RC CM through electronic and/or manual documentation systems. CMMSthen processes the completion (FIG. 9) and re-evaluates the attractioncomponent's “GO/NOGO” status (FIG. 10).

If the Owner/Operator has setup a checklist for a CM on the handhelddevices, under this invention the rules and benefits stated above apply.

Placing a Vehicle onto the Ride from the Maintenance Area

Before placing a vehicle onto the ride, an authorized EngineeringServices Representative must first verify that all AmusementOwner/Operator and/or Ride Law PMs, CMs and (RC) Ride Critical workorders have been completed for the particular vehicle through the CMMSinterface. Under the embodiment of this invention, the EngineeringService representative can verify the status by viewing the statusdisplay. The standard operating procedure to insert a vehicle will thenbe followed.

Prior to exiting the maintenance area (FIGS. 2 and 3), the vehicle IDtags are read by the maintenance bay reader or a GPS reading istriggered and the “GO/NOGO” status retrieved from the DCI database. If a“NOGO” status is detected, an alarm will activate to alert theOwner/Operator representative that the vehicle being placed onto theride has an open Amusement Owner/Operator and/or Ride Law PM, CM or (RC)Ride Critical work order.

In another embodiment of this invention, the keys for all of theattraction vehicles reside in a lockbox 100 (FIG. 1). This lockboxidentifies each key via a wireless ID system and locks each key on anindividual basis. The operator will attempt to retrieve the key for thevehicle from this lockbox. This invention will identify the key,associate it with the vehicle, verify the status of the vehicle and onlyunlock the key for removal if the status is “GO”.

Once a vehicle is placed onto the ride, it will follow all of theprocedures as described under normal operation above.

Thus, in an entertainment or theme park environment, the AutomatedMaintenance Verification System will access information from a strategicasset management system, identify which attraction components are notallowed to become available for patron usage, and set the attractioncomponent to a state in which it can not be utilized by guests throughthe “Station Gate System” or other attraction component or patron usagelock-out system.

In such an entertainment or theme park environment, the AutomatedMaintenance Verification System will display the status and predictiveinformation so as to aid attraction/ride inspectors and otherOwner/Operator representatives in assessing the availability of theattraction.

In such an entertainment or theme park environment, the AutomatedMaintenance Verification System will minimize, while maintaining themanufacturer's recommended Preventive Maintenance schedule, the amountof maintenance time required to accomplish the aforementioned PreventiveMaintenance schedule by monitoring the components usage.

Finally, entertainment or theme park attractions' operators andmaintenance representatives will be able to access this information viaa Business Objects report delivered through Business Intelligence Web,or bi-web, in order to determine if an attraction/attraction componentis ready to open.

Although a preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed,variations thereof may occur to an artisan and the scope of theinvention should only be limited by the scope of the appended claims.

1. A method for preventive maintenance of a system comprising aplurality components, the method comprising: determining a usage-basedmaintenance specification for each of the plurality of components;monitoring usage of each of the plurality of components; and in responseto monitored usage of a particular component meeting or exceeding ausage-based maintenance specification for the particular component,initiating at least one remedial action to cause preventativemaintenance to be performed on the particular component.
 2. The methodof claim 1 wherein the step of initiating a remedial action includes thestep of automatically generating a work order describing a preventativemaintenance procedure for the particular component.
 3. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the step of initiating a remedial action includes thestep of automatically removing the particular component from operation.4. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of initiating a remedialaction includes the step of automatically blocking access to the system.5. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of determining the usage-basedmaintenance specification includes the step of determining a recommendedaccumulated travel distance for the particular component.
 6. The methodof claim 1 wherein the step of determining a usage-based maintenancespecification includes the step of determining a recommended accumulatednumber of usage cycles for the particular component.
 7. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising: determining a time-based maintenancespecification for each of the plurality of components; and in responseto a particular component being in service for a time that meets orexceeds the time-based maintenance specification, initiating at leastone remedial action to cause preventative maintenance to be performed onthe particular component.
 8. A system for preventive maintenance of anapparatus comprising a plurality components, the system comprising: adatabase containing a usage-based maintenance specification for each ofthe plurality of components; monitors coupled to meter usage of each ofthe plurality of components; and a control subsystem in communicationwith the database and responsive to the monitors and operative todetermine whether metered usage of a particular component meets orexceeding a usage-based maintenance specification for the particularcomponent.
 9. The system of claim 8 further comprising mechanisms forautomatically initiating at least one remedial action to causepreventative maintenance to be performed on the particular component inresponse to a determination by the control subsystem that metered usageof the particular component meets or exceeds a usage-based maintenancespecification.
 10. The system of claim 9 wherein the remedial actioncomprises automatically generating a work order describing apreventative maintenance procedure for the particular component.
 11. Thesystem of claim 8 wherein the remedial action comprises automaticallyremoving the particular component from operation.
 12. The system ofclaim 8 wherein the remedial action comprises automatically blockingaccess to the system.
 13. The system of claim 8 wherein the usage-basedmaintenance specification comprises a recommended accumulated traveldistance for the particular component.
 14. The system of claim 8 whereinthe usage-based maintenance specification comprises a recommendedaccumulated number of usage cycles.
 15. The system of claim 8 furthercomprising: storing a time-based maintenance specification for each ofthe plurality of components in the database; and a time-based controlsystem operative to determine when a particular component has been inservice for a time that meets or exceeds the time-based maintenancespecification.
 16. The system of claim 8 wherein the apparatus comprisesa theme park attraction.
 17. The system of claim 8 further comprisingadjusting means in the control subsystem operable to automaticallyadjusting a preventative maintenance schedule of each component based onusage.
 18. A theme park attraction comprising: a plurality components,monitors coupled to meter usage of each of the plurality of components;means for communicating metered usage of each of the plurality ofcomponents to an external maintenance system; and an attraction controlsystem configured to receive preventative maintenance instructions fromthe external maintenance system, wherein the attraction control systemis configured to control the attraction's operation in accordance withthe preventative maintenance instructions received from the externalmaintenance system.
 19. The theme park attraction of claim 18 whereinthe attraction control system is configured to remove particularcomponents from operation in response to the preventative maintenanceinstructions.
 20. The theme park attraction of claim 18 wherein theattraction control system is configured to automatically block access tothe attraction in response to the preventive maintenance instructions.